https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment.atomThick Ass Glass - Enlightenment2019-01-09T18:01:00-05:00Thick Ass Glasshttps://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/is-it-the-size-of-your-water-pipe-or-how-you-use-it2019-01-09T18:01:00-05:002019-01-09T18:01:35-05:00Is it the size of your water pipe or how you use it?N BWhen it comes to water pipes, size does matter, but it really comes down to how you use it. The size of water pipe you want depends on what you want out of that water pipe. While bigger may always seem better, I assure you this is not always the case when it comes to having the most functional water pipe.

In the US, “bigger is better” seems to be a consistent theme, but this is not always the case with water pipes. If all you care about is having a massive piece that commands attention, then sure, go big or go home. A big piece is fun to break out with a group of friends, and it can make any celebration a special occasion. As you increase the size of a water pipe, the volume of smoke that pipe can hold increases as well. So, with a big water pipe, you can produce massive hits, but you’ll burn through a lot more and it’s likely to take multiple hits to fully clear the smoke. This may or may not be a problem, but if it’s so large you can’t reach the bowl to light it, then you’re restricting your use to when you have helping hands. This can make for a fun group activity but may not be the best option for personal use. If you’re looking for the most functional piece, you might find yourself disappointed if you only consider size.

Instead of focusing solely on size, consider other factors like the filtration mechanism, an ice catcher, or the convenience of use. I’ve always been more satisfied with my pieces when I consider functionality as well as aesthetics. I do enjoy having big pieces in my collection, but they get used less often than others I selected based on function over form. Also, the chances of breaking a piece of glass increase as it gets taller. Tall pieces can easily become top heavy and are then prone to being knocked over. In my experience, no matter how thick the glass is, if a piece over two feet tall falls, there’s going to be enough force to break it in the center. Nobody likes to think about their beautiful water pipes breaking but considering this beforehand can save some heartache. After this happened with my first and second showstopper pieces, I started focusing much more on function and durability over the size and beauty. Of course, there are always some occasions when a massive piece is fun, and it makes a great addition to a collection. I wouldn’t recommend this being the only water pipe you own though.

Small water pipes may not command the attention of a room like a 3-foot-tall tower of glass, but they do have their advantages. For one, it gets inconvenient to use a massive piece every time you want to smoke a bowl. A tall water pipe is just too much of a liability to leave out, especially if you have pets. It could easily fall over and break. Tipping over is less of a concern with smaller pieces though. Considering the ratio of the diameter of the base to the height of the water pipe offers a good idea of the general stability of the piece. The larger the base diameter to height ratio, generally, the more stable it will be. Smaller pieces are also more convenient to use. They can be more easily stored and pulled out with less of a hassle. If you’re using the water pipe to dab, then a smaller rig will help to keep the vapor concentrated, since it can’t expand as much as it would in a larger water pipe. Keeping the vapor concentrated gives better flavor while using less concentrate. So, depending on how you want to use it, smaller can be better.

When selecting the size of your water pipe be sure to consider what you want from it. If you’re looking for a piece to dominate the table and command the attention of anyone who sees it, then you’ll want to look at a larger water pipe. If you want something easier to use on a day to day basis though, you may be more interested in a smaller option. When selecting a piece, I often narrow my selection first by size to help find the right piece for what I want. Whatever you’re looking for in a new water pipe, remember, it all comes down to how you use it.

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/stat-your-collection-today-and-be-prepared-for-any-situation2019-01-09T17:41:00-05:002019-01-09T17:41:08-05:00Start your collection today and be prepared for any situation!N BI am quite proud of my glass collection, and when I show it off, a common response is, “why do you have so many pieces?” The answer is really simple. Having the right piece for any situation can make all the difference! This is why I advocate for developing your own collection. Whether you’re hanging out at home, going to a friend’s place, or just have a busy day, the right piece can really facilitate a good time while the wrong piece can cause disappointment and a headache.

Hanging out with friends at home

When you’re hanging out at home the sky's the limit. You can use a desktop vaporizer or a massive, intricate water pipe. If you’re entertaining a group of friends though, it’s always best to consider the efficiency you can share with. Your favorite means of consumption may be low temp dabbing, but if you’re doing this with a torch and you have 8 friends over think about how long it will take. Nobody wants to be the last one in line and wait 30-45 minutes for their turn (sorry to my friends I learned this the hard way with!). Instead, consider rolling something up. If you’ve got a got a show stopper water pipe, pull it out, pack a party bowl, and share the love! If your collection doesn’t have a show stopper, there’s nothing wrong with throwing a few small pieces in rotation too! Whatever you choose, remember to consider what it will be like to share and don’t keep anyone waiting.

Going to a friend’s place

If you’re heading over to a friend’s place, I wouldn’t recommend packing that showstopper up unless you have a clever, safe way to transport it. Instead, it would be safer and easier to bring over a smaller piece. If you’re transporting glass, you’ll want to be sure you have it wrapped in something soft, and a hard case is always recommended as well. I’ve been known to throw some towels or blankets into an empty kitty litter container and take some of my less expensive water pipes to small gatherings, but I don’t risk it with bigger groups. If you’re more of a concentrate connoisseur, this is also a great time to bust out your nectar collector if you have one! Alternatively, I’ve also had what I considered a “travel rig”, but a nectar collector is still more convenient than a tiny rig in my opinion. All you have to bring is a torch, your nectar collector, and a sealable container with your concentrate and you’re in business! If your preferences lie more toward the herb, a hand-held bubbler or spoon work just as well and are easier to transport than a larger water pipe, but always consider durability and the risk of it breaking when you’re bringing a piece anywhere.

Going to a party

Going to a party I almost never bring glass. It’s a liability, and, especially if there will be drinking, its likely someone has butterfingers. Instead of bringing glass, my go-to is always a trusty ol’ vape pen. Sure, a nectar collector travels well, but you need to know your crowd. Not everyone is comfortable with a torch, and it’s no fun to be looked down upon for preferring vaporization over combustion. On the other hand, nothing brings the party quite like a full cigarette case of your favorite flowers rolled up. This is a great way to facilitate conversation with old friends or make some new friends! A bowl may have the same effect, but there’s just something about roasting a bone with friends that never fails to strike up a conversation.

On-the-go

Maybe you just have a busy day and you want to take your smoke on the go. Here, your primary concern should probably be discretion. Even if you’re not concerned about discretion, portability is a going to make your day that much easier. That means you probably don’t want to go for any water pipe. Even if it’s small, you’ll have to worry about keeping it from spilling. So, a dry piece that fits in your pocket is the best bet. A spoon or sherlock is great for travel! If you don’t want to smoke a whole bowl to yourself every time, you can also check out a one hitter dugout combo that holds your hitter and some ground flower. If you don’t want to smell like smoke though, a vape pen may be your best bet. Whatever you prefer, keeping it pocket sized is sure to make your busy day go smoother!

Camping or hiking

When going camping I like to bring a few pieces. For day-hikes or other excursions I stick to the same pieces I use when I’m on the go. Something portable that I can easily pull out and have ready at a moments notice. When we’re around the campfire at night though, portability isn’t so important, and it’s nice to have a water pipe. Although, glass water pipes are just too fragile to take camping. It’s hard to find a flat place to set a water pipe down, and, in the dark, it can easily go unseen and be knocked over. There are just too many risks to bring a glass water pipe camping. This is where silicone water pipes come in. Silicone water pipes are nearly indestructible, so there is no need to worry about them knocking over and breaking them. So, you can enjoy a bowl around the campfire without the fear of breaking your piece! This makes a silicone water pipe a must for any trip, and you don’t have to worry about how you pack it!

Whatever situation you find yourself in, be prepared and make sure you have the right piece. You’ll be a hero among your friends; it can save you a hassle and make your day or even the whole trip! Whether you want to be the center of attention or go unnoticed, having the right piece makes all the difference.

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/make-the-most-of-snowy-days-and-use-that-snow-to-cool-down-your-smoke2019-01-07T22:48:00-05:002019-01-07T22:48:47-05:00Make the most of snowy days and use that snow to cool down your smoke!N BBaby it’s cold outside, so take advantage of the frosty weather! After a big snow, I always load up the ice catcher of my water pipe to really cool down the smoke, and turn a frown upside down on those days trapped inside. It makes any day a celebration and feels festive around the holidays!

To load your water pipe with snow, you’ll want to first put some water in to make sure your percolator fires. Then, simply drop loose snow into your water pipe through the mouth piece. Its best to avoid packing the snow down because this can restrict the airflow, making it impossible to hit, or even scratch the glass. The beauty of using snow to cool your smoke is the amount of surface area loosely packed snow has. Smoke is cooled by coming into contact with a cold surface. Loading loosely packed snow into your water pipe, the smoke will filter through small gaps in the snow making contact with the cold snow all the way through. This is a massive improvement over ice cubes, where the smoke only touches the outside of the ice cube. Using crushed ice is an improvement over ice cubes, but with snow the smoke will touch every snowflake on the way through making your smoke not just cool, but down right cold!

Cooling with snow is great for a water pipe, but I wouldn’t recommend trying this with dabbing. You may have noticed that your rig builds up more reclaim during the winter months. That’s because there is such a thing as cooling your concentrate vapor too much, and you can even cause a whole dab to condense if you get the vapor too cold. I have seen an entire dab freeze up in the middle of a freezable coil chamber, and not only is this a disappointing waste, but it is a pain to clean! Avoid this disappointment and be sure not to cool down your concentrate too much.

Also, this should only be done with pipes you won’t mind ending up scratched. Whenever you pick up some snow its likely there will be small particles in it that may scratch your glass. So, I never do this with my nicer pieces that I want to keep shining like the day I got them. Instead, I use one of my cheaper, every day pieces, or, if you have one, a silicone water pipe would be perfect for this! Whatever you use, be sure to rinse your water pipe well soon after to get rid of anything that might have been in the snow. Nobody wants to use a water pipe full of dirt and grime.

Snowed in? Then reach outside, pack your water pipe with snow, and curl up to celebrate the weather! A snow packed water pipe is sure to provide some fun when you’re trapped inside on those cold, dreary winter days!

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/silicone-water-pipes-pros-and-cons2019-01-07T22:33:00-05:002019-01-07T22:33:14-05:00Silicone water pipes pros and consN BYou may have noticed silicone pipes and water pipes are becoming more and more common. More and more shops are carrying silicone pipes and water pipes, but why is this? Is it just a fad where everyone wants an all silicone life or is silicone really an improvement over glass? The answer really depends on what you want.

Pros

When you think about it, all a water pipe needs is a base that holds water with a tube into the water, so silicone can function just as well as glass in that right, and silicone pieces certainly have some benefits over glass. Perhaps the largest benefit of silicone is its durability. Silicone has been deemed unbreakable. If you’re someone who breaks any piece they so much as look at, a silicone water pipe might be perfect for you! You can drop it, pack it anywhere, and even fold it up and your silicone will simply flop back into position! The pliability and durability of silicone makes it wildly portable. If you want a water pipe you can take with you camping, then look no further than a silicone pipe. You can just throw it in your bag and go without having to worry about being gentle or packing carefully around it. For me, this is the reason I have to have a silicone piece for my collection. I’ve never been able to enjoy a water pipe while camping because I just couldn’t accept the high probability of breaking my glass. So, I always just brought one of my small glass pipes that are easier to protect, but now a silicone water pipe has become a must on the packing list for any outdoor excursion I go on! Moreover, silicone is non-polar, so resin is less likely to stick to it than glass. This will make cleaning silicone easier than glass, but there are other issues with cleaning silicone we will consider below.

Cons

While silicone pieces have their benefits, there are drawbacks that ensure silicone will never fully take over my glass cabinet. First and foremost, but perhaps not most important in the grand scheme of things, a silicone piece will never be as beautiful as a sparkling, clean glass piece. Working with silicone just isn’t the same artform that working with glass is. Aesthetics aside though, there are other issues with silicone. For one, some people think there is an unpleasant taste associated with silicone pieces, and even speculate that it could be unhealthy. While there is sometimes an unpleasant taste, it is unlikely the silicone itself poses any medical issues as it is very stable and high-quality silicone is commonly used in implants.

Another place where silicone pieces fall short of glass is in the possible percolators. Silicone does not lend itself to some of the complicated percolators we enjoy in glass pieces. Moreover, even if these complicated percolators could be achieved with silicone, you wouldn’t be able to see them. Some have tried to get around this by making hybrid pieces with a glass percolator but a silicone base and mouthpiece. Although, these hybrid pieces are far from unbreakable. Another issue with being unable to see the percolator or the inside of the piece is that it will be hard to tell when it needs cleaned. Conversely, when you are cleaning, it will be difficult to tell when your piece is clean. This means you could be leaving chunks of resin that are contaminated with whatever cleaning product you use in your pipe. So, with silicone, be extra careful not to leave solvent in it after cleaning as this could be harmful or toxic if inhaled. So, be sure to rinse your piece thoroughly (5 or more times!) and let it sit for at least an hour if not longer before use after cleaning.

So, silicone probably won’t run the glass market out of business, but it does improve over glass in some categories. If you have butterfingers or just need a durable water pipe you can pack up and take with you, silicone might be perfect for you! For this reason, I fancy myself a glass collector, but even I want a silicone piece in my collection!

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/essential-oils2018-12-19T12:36:00-05:002018-12-19T12:36:05-05:00Using Essential Oils With Your Dab Rig For Flavor And FragranceA B
Dab rigs are already great for delivering flavorful hits when smoking concentrates. But have you ever wanted to enhance that flavor? Learn more about smoking with essential oils at Thick Ass Glass!

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Using an oil rig to smoke concentrates is ideal for getting the most amount of flavor from each hit. But sometimes you might feel like there's something missing, or something you'd like to add to make the experience even more unique. To give your concentrates some extra oomph, you try adding essential oils to the mix.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are extracts taken from flowers, fruits, roots and other plant matter. They are highly concentrated and have a variety of health benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation, improve skin health, get rid of headaches and more. They're most commonly used in aromatherapy to help treat everyday issues. For example, peppermint oil can give you an energy boost while, on the opposite end of the spectrum, lavender can help calm you down.

Here are some of the most popular essential oils for smoking:

Peppermint

Chamomile

Rosemary

Lavender

Lemon/lemongrass

Grapefruit

Smoking Essential Oils With Your Dab Rig

NOTE: Essential oils are not meant to be smoked on their own. They're meant to help enhance the experience of smoking concentrates, herbs and other substances. There are a few ways you can use essential oils for smoking.

1. Add A Few Drops To Your Concentrates

Ingesting essential oils aromatically is a great way to experience their full effects. Adding a few drops directly to your concentrates in order to smoke them will help them be absorbed into your body via your lungs. From there, they will be circulated throughout your body to work their natural magic.

2. Add A Few Drops To Your Dab Rig's Water

When the vapor from your concentrates passes through water mixed with essential oils, it delivers an extra-flavorful experience. If you want your concentrates to have a fruitier flavor, try adding grapefruit, lemon or wild orange oil. If you want a smooth, minty fresh hit each time, add peppermint oil. Smoking to unwind? Add lavender or chamomile to create a more soothing effect.

3. Rub Essential Oils On The Interior Of Your Pipe

To create a more subtle experience, you could also simply rub the essential oils inside the neck of your dab rig. You'll get pleasant aromas and a bit of extra flavor each time without altering the base flavors of your concentrates as much.

Browse Dab Rigs & More At Thick Ass Glass

Looking to add a new oil rig to your collection? Thick Ass Glass has the variety you're looking for — and all our pieces are thick, sturdy and built to last. Find your new favorite model and have the ultimate smoking experience with your favorite concentrates and essential oils.]]>
https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/tags-favorites2018-12-17T08:18:00-05:002018-12-17T08:18:21-05:00TAG's Favorite Water Pipes & Dab RigsA B
The end of the year is the perfect time for reminiscing — and there's no better way to do it than with a new water pipe or dab rig! Find out which of TAG's top sellers are truly the cream of the crop.

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The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect on all the good things that happened during this latest trip around the sun. So we decided to do a little reminiscing ourselves and created this list of our favorite water pipes and dab rigs of 2018. We liked them a lot and we’re sure you’ll love them too (and maybe have enough time to sneak in an extra gift this holiday season)!

TAG's Favorite Water Pipes

Our water pipes come in tons of shapes, sizes and colors, but one thing remains consistent across all styles: the glass is always thick. Check out our top three models below!

The 18" Super Thick Beaker

Beaker-base water pipes are popular because of the stability their wide base offers. It's a classic design that's sure to please any smoker. This 9mm beaker has a super thick neck that can stand up to accidental bumps and spills. This long-neck water pipe would make a great addition to any collection.

The 16" Double Honeycomb Pipe

If it's percolation you want, the 16" Double Honeycomb water pipe delivers. Each honeycomb disc comes with more than 90 holes each to provide the optimal level of filtration for cool, smooth hits. But don't worry — thanks to the Cyclone Spinning Splash Guard, none of those bubbles will splash into your mouth.

The 12" Single Honeycomb Pipe

This 14mm water pipe combines a single honeycomb percolator to a fixed 8 arm tree to create the perfect level of filtration for each hit. At 12", it's easy to pass around with friends and compact enough to fit in a backpack if you want to take it on the go. Choose from a variety of colors to make sure it’s just your style!

TAG's Favorite Dab Rigs

For smoking oils and concentrates, there's no better rig than a dab rig. Check out some of our favorites, big and small.

The 10" Klein Incycler

To make the most out of your product, incycler and recycler oil rigs are a requirement. The 10" Klein Incycler comes with a super slit puck to help create smooth flavorful hits as the smoke is recycled through the body of the rig. There are plenty of color options to choose from to make the vapor show that much cooler to watch!

The 5" Fixed Stem Bellow Mini Rig

This 10mm dab rig is small but mighty, ensuring that it will last for many ultra-portable smoking sessions to come. The showerhead diffuser within the fixed stem means that, even though it's little, it will still provide the great flavor that dab rigs are known for. If you're looking for a sturdy dab rig to take on the road, this is just what you need!

The 3.5" Pendant Rig

This mini dab rig is so portable, you could run a chain through the eye hole on the side of the pyramid chamber and wear it around your neck — hence the name "pendant" rig! This little one has some amazing reviews, so if you don't want to take our word for how great this rig is, check out what our customers are saying.

Find Even More Popular Water Pipes & Dab Rigs At Thick Ass Glass

Choosing favorites is hard, especially when there are so many bestsellers to pick from. You can find all the items from our list and more in our water pipes and dab rigs categories, so head over to score a sweet new piece for yourself or a friend before it's time to kiss 2018 goodbye!]]>
https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/make-any-ashcatcher-a-unique-sherlock-bubbler-with-a-j-hook2018-12-10T11:43:00-05:002018-12-10T11:43:20-05:00Make any ashcatcher a unique sherlock bubbler with a J-hook!N BJ-hooks are one of the most underappreciated glass accessories on the market. I get it, you look at it and think “what, just a glass tube?” or, worse still, you’ve seen someone put a nail straight onto a J-hook for the harshest dab you’ve ever taken. Well, let me tell ya’, when used correctly a J-hook is a cheap accessory that can make your collection more adaptable or put a bubbler you haven’t had a waterpipe for back in action! With a J-hook, any ash catcher you have can become a stand-alone bubbler!

I first picked up a J-hook about a year after breaking my first real waterpipe. It’s a little silly, but this waterpipe held a lot of sentimental value. It was my first statement piece and I went all out including decking it out with a few ash catchers. Some of my best friends and I bonded over it and really solidified life long friendships around this thing. Then, one fateful night it tipped over in my sleep breaking all but the ash catcher. We were devastated. We even had a funeral for it! After that, the ash catcher just sat collecting dust for over a year.

When I first saw a J-hook, I knew it could revitalize this great piece of glass that I’d nearly forgotten about! I grabbed it and a keck clip to hold the combo together and ran straight home to dust off the old ash catcher. Not only did this put my ash catcher back in use, but it quickly became the favorite bubbler in my collection! It offered more elaborate filtration than my other simple bubblers along with a clean, clear aesthetic and the nostalgia from my long-lost piece! Everyone was ecstatic to see it back in rotation, and I still love it years after.

Are you just looking for a new bubbler that’ll stand out in your collection or want to get more out of that ash catcher for your water pipe? A J-hook is great for that too! You can pop a sherlock arm onto any ash catcher and make a great, handheld bubbler. This allows you to be more selective and get a bubbler with your favorite percolator. Just make sure you pick up a keck clip too to hold it all together so you J-hook doesn’t slip off and break. If you want to get a whole new set up look into the TAG - 8.25" DOUBLE HONEYCOMB ASH CATCHER W/ RECYCLING E.C. 50X5MM - 18MM MALE, a compatible 18MM J-hook, and a keck clip to hold it all together for a great new bubbler with a flat base that can stand up but fits comfortably in your hand!

Whatever your situation is, a J-hook makes a great addition to any glass collection. If you’ve got multiple ash catchers you can switch the J-hook between them or pick your favorite and make a dedicated stand-alone bubbler! Whether you’re resurrecting an old ash catcher or looking for the right new bubbler I’d recommend considering a J-hook.

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/looking-for-the-right-piece-for-upcoming-holiday-get-togethers2018-12-06T11:33:00-05:002018-12-06T11:33:38-05:00The right piece can bring the cheer to any holiday party!N BWith the holidays coming up most of us have parties and gatherings to get through. Whether you’re looking forward to them or just looking forward to getting through them, the right products can spice up a boring holiday party and help share the holiday spirit!

Need to be discrete?

Sometimes it’s just easier to keep your smoking discrete. If you’re just trying to get through and looking to make the situation less agonizing or even if you enjoy your holiday gatherings but still need to hide your smoking the right product can make all the difference. While delightful, there’s nothing discrete about a two-foot-tall water pipe. To keep things discrete, you’ll want something compact or that you can easily store or hide if needed.

An obvious go-to for discretely spicing up a get-together without needing to be away long is a one-hitter or dugout. This is a tried and true method I’ve often used for family gatherings. It only takes a moment to pack it up and take a hit making it perfect for quickly sneaking out. A small glass or metal pipe can also be easily hidden, but they can take a little longer to load up. If you’re like me and you’ve never found a “one-hitter-quitter” or you just want to share the wealth, you may prefer a chillum with a more sizable bowl. With a chillum, the front facing bowl allows you to press it into your ground flower to quickly load it just like a dugout. Plus, with a larger bowl you can embrace the holiday spirit and share the wealth! Alternatively, if you’re looking to enjoy some time to yourself and don’t mind being away a little longer, try filling a cigarette case with your favorite smokable and relax by yourself or with anyone you want to share your holidaze with!

If smell is a concern, you may not want to smoke at all as it can be a dead giveaway. I’ve always been overly concerned about smell after having some…rather pungent situations. For me, my discrete go-to these days is a vaporizer pen. They are quick, small, and fit in most pockets making them easily concealable, and they can use concentrates making that one hit you have time for more effective. With a vape pen you can easily sneak in a quick hit and only need to disappear for a moment!

Just looking to share the holiday spirit?

Just getting together with friends or don’t need to hide anything? Any of the options above will still work, but they aren’t all the easiest to share. If you don’t have anything to hide, then go ahead and show off! Take advantage of the holiday deals and get a show stopper that will be fun for everyone. It can be the center of attention and spread the holiday cheer! Bigger isn’t always better, but it can certainly be beautiful! Check out sales to find a water pipe that’s large and in charge or maybe you’re more into a smaller, delicate rig that packs a punch. Either way, there are sure to be deals, so keep your eyes peeled!

Don’t have a ton to spend but still want to share the fun? A full cigarette holder is still one of my go-to choices for parties with friends. It brings the wow factor and there’s just something about bringing everyone into a circle and sharing the holiday spirit that makes the whole thing more fun! It’s also a great way to facilitate conversation, get caught up, and reminisce about the previous year!

If you’re looking for something that packs a little bit more of a punch, check out an E-nail and really step into the role of “Holiday Cheermeister!” It’ll make dabbing quicker and easier to share rather than having a long line of people waiting. Plus, an E-nail will be the gift that keeps giving saving you time through the rest of the year too!

Whatever kind of gatherings you have coming up, there are great deals to take advantage of over the holidays and having the right piece for any situation helps all year-round! Don’t forget to diversify your portfolio and stock up! Whatever it is you decide on though, be sure to enjoy and happy holidaze!

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/holiday-gift-ideas-from-tag2018-12-06T10:18:00-05:002018-12-06T10:18:45-05:00Holiday gift ideas from TAGN BLooking for a gift for a lovable smoker in your life? Whatever your budget, TAG has got you covered this holiday season! Here, we’ll give you some gift ideas to get your friends and family through the holi-daze! Whatever your price range, you’ll find the perfect gift for that loveable smoker in your life below!

$10

You might think you can’t find anything under $10 that will get used, but there are many great, cheap options! If you’re looking for a gift for that water pipe fanatic in your life, consider getting a new bowl compatible with their current water pipe! Having the right bowl for any occasion always makes a big difference, so try to get them something they don’t have. Having a party bowl and a personal snap-hitter will make your piece adaptable to hanging out alone or entertaining a big group!

If the smoker you have in mind doesn’t have their own water pipe, consider getting them something more universal. Years ago, a friend got me a lighter sleeve with a hemp wick dispenser, and I’ve used that thing almost daily ever since! It’s always clear which lighter is mine, and the basic functionality is great! Does your friend already have a lighter sleeve? Get your jolly herbal enthusiast some more hemp wick or some of their favorite papers and tips. They may just burn up, but they’re sure to be useful!

Under $30

If you’re looking for something around $30, you’ve got a few more options to consider. Take a second and think about what they enjoy. If you’re shopping with a dab connoisseur in mind, take a look at their dab station and try to fill in gaps! Is their station sitting on a silicone mat? If not, this will make a huge difference in keeping things clean! Do they have a lackluster dab tool or carb cap? Pick them up a concentrate pick or combo carb cap that lives up to the rest of their set up! This is another one of those small gifts a friend gave me that I use daily and I think about them every time I pick it up. Does their dab station look complete? Look at what kind of nail they use and get them a backup. Sometimes breaks happen and having exactly what you need right there can save an otherwise bad day! If you’re searching for something for a low temp dabber, make their life easier get them an hourglass to time out their dabs with!

If you’re looking for something for someone who is more into flower power think about picking them up a new spoon or chillum! I almost exclusively use water pipes at home, but I always take my chillum with me when I want something quick and portable. This is another situation where having the right tool for the job can make all the difference! Alternatively, if your friend has a favorite water pipe, get them a compatible ash catcher to add some wonder back to their old favorite piece!

$30-$60

If you can push your budget up to $60 you can start looking at rigs and water pipes. Consider the size of their current pieces and try to add some diversity to their collection! Sometimes your favorite water pipe is just too large for the occasion, but a bubbler would be perfect! You have a lot of options here, so try to consider what sort of aesthetic they prefer, and if they are prone to breaking glassware be sure to consider stability! I always look at the width of the bottom in comparison to the height of the piece, and make sure the piece has nice, thick glass.

If they already have that one favorite piece they never venture away from, then look into getting an accessory for it! Between $30 and $60 you can get a higher quality ash catcher compatible with their piece that’s sure to add some joy to the holi-daze and many days after! If their favorite piece is a rig, think about getting them a honey bucket to take their dabs to the next level! Or, pick them up a nice butane torch. This is yet another gift a friend gave me long ago that I still use all the time and I always think about them when I do! It just comes in handy so often!

$60-$100

If you can go up to $100 you can start including some high quality, durable water pipes and rigs. You can always subtlety bring up what it is they do and don’t like about their pieces to get a better idea what they want. If your friend has butter fingers look into some thick glass. The TAG - 14" BEAKER 50X9MM - 18/14MM DOWNSTEM offers a nice, sturdy beaker at an astounding 9MM glass thickness! This piece might be just as effective as a club as it is a water pipe! With $100 you can definitely find what they need, but make sure you know what they want. Play your cards right, and this is sure to be a hit (probably many)!

No matter what your price range, spread the love and gift a TAG piece this holiday season. You’re sure to find the perfect gift for the herbalist in your life. Who knows, maybe you’ll find the perfect piece for yourself while you’re at it! Cheers and happy holi-daze!

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/e-nails-sorting-through-the-options-and-putting-away-the-torch2018-12-06T09:40:00-05:002018-12-06T09:40:45-05:00E-nails—Sorting through the options and putting away the torchN BE-nails—Sorting through the options and putting away the torch

Many people enjoy vaporizing over smoking because it’s less harsh on your throat, it smells less, it can give better flavor than smoking, and it might have fewer health issues. Unfortunately though, in the case of dabbing, it can look significantly scarier than smoking if you’re using a torch. Using a torch has been called crude, barbaric, unsafe, and even “cracky”. Nobody wants these stigmas associated with their vaporization routine.

As a daily dabber, a torch became just a normal part of my life. However, while you may get used to it, I assure you, unfamiliar guests will not and not all your friends will want you to bring a torch into their house. If you enjoy dabbing, chances are, you’ve looked into an E-nail, but with all the choices on the market and the high cost of most products, there are considerable barriers to entry. A good E-nail can really change your routine and help you put away the torch, but it has to be a good E-nail. I’ve tried numerous torch alternatives and wasted a few hundred dollars trying to match the same reliability, control, and cool, thick vapor that I enjoyed from dabbing with my trusty torch and favorite rig. Without the same functionality, I just kept going back to the faithful torch and nail. In this article, w’ell talk about my experiences with different types of E-nails and hopefully help you find the right type of E-nail so you can put away your torch.

Types

At its core, an E-nail is a vaporizer specifically for concentrates. Typically, an E-nail features some type of water filtration, but it isn’t always a part of the E-nail itself. There are many E-nails on the market and the varieties only continue to grow, but they can be broken down into two general types; portable E-nails and table top units.

Portable

Portable E-nails are smaller, generally self-contained vaporizers featuring a heating element and built in water filtration. The pros are obvious, these units can easily be packed up and fit in a pack or even your pocket and be taken with you anywhere. As an avid outdoorsman I thought a good portable E-nail would be the end all for me; something I can reliably use at home and take with me hiking or camping! What I found, and what seems to be the case for many portable E-nails, is that the dab size was restricted, and the vapor wasn’t quite as thick as I would like. My portable E-nail still goes with me camping and hiking, but I rarely use it at home because it just doesn’t have the power I want for vaporization. With better portability, you’ll commonly lose some power, so be sure to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase.

Table top

Table top units come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can generally break them down into self-contained all-in-one E-nails, featuring built-in water filtration and the vaporizing element that functions as a complete rig, or nail attachments that are attached to any glass piece they can fit on. All-in-one E-nails come in all shapes and sizes with varying degrees of portability and functionality. My main issue with these units is that I want to be able to use my glass collection and this restricts you to dabbing out of the unit. After collecting glass as long as I have, the percolator on most of these devices just doesn’t live up to my favorite rigs. So, I ended up using my torch again.

On the other hand, E-nail attachments fit on whatever rig I want to use and worked perfectly for me. This was ultimately the deciding factor that helped me put down the torch for good. There is also a large variety of these E-nail attachments. Some have to be plugged into the wall and some have batteries. Some hold a constant temperature and some only heat up when you hold a button. My personal favorites feature a power box that controls the temperature and a heating coil that fits around a nail. These units can be compatible with either titanium or quartz nails and some even offer coils compatible with nectar collectors!

After the long search, an E-nail that allows exact temperature control and has a coil compatible with quartz bangers got me to put away my torch. This set up provided the same flavor, thick vapor, and adaptable use with any of my rigs that dabbing with a torch offered. It also made dabbing quicker and easier than using a torch, not to mention safer!

Hopefully after hearing my experiences with the types of E-nails you have gotten an idea what type of E-nail might work best for you. Keep in mind, the technology is constantly improving, and every E-nail will have its own pros and cons. Be sure to do your research before making a purchase if you really want to find the right product for you put away your torch.

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/incyclers-and-recyclers2018-11-28T08:08:00-05:002018-11-28T08:08:18-05:00Incycler & Recycler Rigs: What's The Difference?A B
Incyclers and recyclers are members of the dab rig community that provide a top-of-the-line smoking experience. But what sets them apart from each other? Find out here.

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In the world of dab rigs, incyclers and recyclers provide a special, top-of-the-line smoking experience. But, what exactly is the difference between an incycler and a recycler? Let's explore some of the reasons why these dab rigs are so amazing.

Recyclers And Incyclers

A recycler is a type of oil rig that has two chambers instead of just one. These chambers are designed to continuously pull water vapor from one to the other, which saves the smoke, cools it down and helps deliver smooth, flavorful hits. You also have several percolation options to choose from. So whether you prefer a little diffusion or a lot, you can choose the perfect percolator for your needs.

An incycler is a special type of recycler. While incyclers still have the two-chamber system, the second chamber is housed within the first, rather than alongside it. Incyclers can deliver the same smooth hits as regular recyclers, but tend to be a bit more compact in design.

Is One Better Than The Other?

The main difference between a standard recycler and an incycler is aesthetics. Both of the dab rigs function essentially the same, but they are designed to do it in slightly different ways. A recycler's multiple chambers can give your rig the look of an awesome science experiment, while the internal structure of an incycler gives you more of a fountain effect.

Another benefit of the cool visual effects of the water traveling throughout the chambers is that residue is easier to clean up. The leftover grime from smoking oils and concentrates tends to build up the worst on dry areas of your water pipe or dab rig. Thanks to the constant motion of the water, pretty much every internal surface of a recycler rig remains wet. While it's still good to clean your rig with a salt water mixture on a regular basis, a recycler or incycler tends to stay nicer looking for longer in between cleanings.

Overall, recyclers and incyclers have a special element of fun to them, so you might want to choose the one that’ll give you the coolest visual effects while delivering the smoothest hits.

The Best Of Both Worlds

One final option to consider is the "Klein" style incycler. A Klein incycler combines the internal chambers of an incycler with external tubes that make it look more like a recycler. This function helps ensure that the rig's drain doesn't interfere with the percolator, which would make taking hits more difficult. Certain kinds of faberge egg rigs qualify as Klein incyclers, giving you an extra, awesome style option.

Find The Recycler For You At Thick Ass Glass

There are plenty of recycler and incycler rigs to choose from in our collection of dab rigs. Our recyclers come in cool colors and great designs — and they're always thick. Have questions? Contact our experts today.]]>
https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/clean-your-e-nail2018-11-14T00:00:00-05:002018-11-28T08:12:01-05:00How To Clean Your Dab Nail Or E-NailA B
To ensure you always have a top-notch smoking experience, it's important to keep your dab nail or e-nail clean. Luckily, the methods we're going to explore are all quick and easy!

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One of the most important things you can to do to ensure that you always have a top-notch smoking experience is to keep your pipe and accessories clean. That includes your dab nail. Luckily, all the methods for keeping a dab nail or electronic nail squeaky clean are pretty simple.

Torch Your Dab Nail

This is the easiest of all the cleaning methods because all you have to do is use a torch to get your dab or e-nail red hot. Any sticky residue should start to liquefy and vaporize, at which point you can get into all the tight spaces near the dome with a q-tip. The q-tip method is the best way to make sure everything is thoroughly swabbed away.

A note for quartz dab nail users: try not to torch your quartz at a super high temperature, even when cleaning off excess residue. High temperatures can lead to devitrification or a change in the crystal's atomic structure that causes it to lose its glassy shine. Using a butane torch and keeping temperatures from exceeding 1,832°F (which is when devitrification occurs) will keep your quartz looking great.

Heat And Dip

Have oxidation problems? To get rid of the pesky white residue, you can use a method that's similar to seasoning your nail. Simply heat your dab nail to your usual dabbing temperature and submerge in a bowl of water that’s about room temperature. The heat meeting the water will help remove the oxidation — just be careful not to burn yourself!

ISO Bath

ISO, or rubbing alcohol, is a great way to remove residue that just won't give up. However, it's important to make sure all of the alcohol is burned off afterward, or else you'll ingest harmful fumes the next time you smoke. After soaking your dab nail for 5-10 minutes in rubbing alcohol, you simply need to re-season it. Then you're ready to go for another smoking session!

How Often Should I Clean My Dab Nail Or E-Nail?

How often you clean your dab nail all comes down to preference. If you often share your dab rig with others, it's recommended that you clean it after each use — most people appreciate a clean nail. However, some smokers believe that leaving the residue on the dab nail helps create the best flavor over time and, because of that, they never clean it. In the end, it's up to you!

Browse Dab Nails And E-Nails At Thick Ass Glass

Whether you want quartz, titanium or an e-nail, Thick Ass Glass has all the accessories you need to create the ultimate smoking experience. Check out our full collection and feel free to contact us for extra "enlightenment." ]]>
https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/set-up-your-own-low-temp-dabbing-station2018-11-07T00:21:00-05:002018-11-07T00:21:35-05:00SET UP YOUR OWN LOW TEMP DABBING STATION!N BEssentials for the low temp dabber

If you’re trying to figure out the next step to improve your dabbing experience, you might want to consider low temp dabbing. Keeping the temperature lower, you can enjoy more flavor from your concentrate and make your dabs less harsh on your throat . This article will help you set up a low temp dab station and learn how to get started enjoying more flavor from your concentrate.

The essentials

You can dab from any water pipe, but for low temp dabbing, I suggest having a small rig. Keeping your rig small will keep the vapor concentrated, which generates more flavor from your dab. You’ll also want to make sure you separate combustion and vaporization if you want the best flavor. Smoking and vaporizing out of the same piece will cause everything to taste like smoke, so there is no way to enjoy the flavor of your concentrate. Once you’ve picked a dedicated rig, you’ll need a nail or banger. The first step is deciding between ceramic, titanium, or quartz. This is another situation where anything could work, but some will perform better than others. I would recommend using quartz for low temp dabbing. Quartz doesn’t hold heat as long as titanium or ceramic, but it makes up for this in flavor. Not holding heat isn’t necessarily a bad thing either. In low temp dabbing, you to heat the banger past your desired temperature to ensure even heating, then, quartz will cool more quickly meaning there is less wait to reach your desired temperature. Also, with quartz, you can see your concentrate vaporizing, which, aside from being a beautiful sight, can help monitor temperature! Since you’re trying to hold a low temperature for a long time, you’ll want something thick or double-walled to hold heat. Personally, I prefer a nice, thick quartz banger. This will allow you to evenly vaporize larger dabs at your desired temperature. You’ll also want to make sure you have a well-fit carb cap for whatever option you select. It is essential to use a carb cap when low temp dabbing to get convective heating going along with conduction in order to evenly vaporize your concentrate. If you are curious about conduction and convection, this is described in more detail in the carb cap article.

Timing is everything

Finally, if you don’t have an e-nail, you’ll need something to time with. With a torch, you’ll need to figure out how long to heat your particular banger and how long it needs to cool before it reaches your desired temperature for optimal flavor. The heating and cooling time can depend on the design, thickness, and material you choose to dab with. Figuring it out for your particular piece can take a bit of experimentation. You’ll want to make sure you get your banger evenly heated, but overheating can damage your banger and will just make you wait longer. You’ll also have to determine how long you need to wait to achieve optimal flavor and minimal puddling. When low temp dabbing, a small puddle left at the end means you’re doing it right, but leaving too much is wasteful and disappointing. This method is as much an art as a science, and it may take a few tries to get it dialed in. Be sure to use a timer when heating and letting it cool for consistency. If you don’t mind investing another $15-$30, you can purchase an infrared thermometer and directly monitor the temperature. An infrared thermometer will let you know the exact temperature of your dabbing surface, and if you time it, you should be able to consistently produce your optimal dabbing experience.

Optional Improvements

These may not be absolutely essential, but they will help you get the most for your money and improve your dab station. When low temp dabbing, a reclaim catcher can really improve your set up. Dabbing at lower temperature will keep the vapor temperature lower as well, and this causes more condensation than in higher temperature dabbing. This recondensed vapor is called reclaim. If you stop it from clogging your rig, it can be cooked with or even dabbed again. A reclaim catcher will allow you to catch and use this byproduct as you please and keep your rig cleaner for longer.

Once you have your timing figured out, you can also improve your dab station by investing in an hourglass. Sure, you can use your phone, but that gets annoying and an hourglass just fits so naturally into a dab station. I also recommend considering “q-tip technology” to keep your quartz clean. This simply means using a q-tip to wipe up the puddle left over when you’re done, but it will keep every dab tasting just as good as the last. Dabbies are a reusable alternative to a general cotton swab, but either will get the job done.

Go get started!

So, now you know what you need to adapt your dab station to hitting those lower temperatures. It may take some practice to perfect the technique, but using this list, you can start off with everything you need. Whether you want to keep it simple or go all in, switching to low temp dabbing is sure to improve your dabbing experiences!

Nectar collectors give all the joy of dabbing in a simpler, more portable format. Rather than being table bound, a nectar collector is a handheld vertical vaporizer. You can think of it like a dab straw. They typically feature a simple percolator and a straw. Not all feature a percolator, but personally I find some cooling filtration to be necessary to fully enjoy your concentrate. Nectar collectors heat up quicker, are simpler than a full-blown rig, and can cut down the time it takes to dab.

To use a nectar collector, you just load you concentrate in a heat resistant dish, heat the tip, and gently touch the heated tip to your concentrate. For the best performance keep the percolator holes parallel to the ground while you use it. If you tilt the percolator there will be less contact between the vapor and the water and you will drastically decrease the potential cooling from the water. Once the tip is cool, you can easily disassemble your nectar collector and take it with you. When I go away for the weekend, I normally throw enough concentrate for the weekend into a sealable dish and bring my nectar collector along. On the other hand, it can be difficult to control the temperature with a nectar collector, and you need to be careful with the hot tip. Be sure you have a safe place to let it cool when you’re done using it.

Errl cannon

The Errl cannon features a 4 hole showerhead to a spinning splash guard offering filtration while keeping the water out of your mouth. It will come in three distinct pieces: the mouthpiece, the percolator, and the nail. Keck clips are used to hold the Errl cannon together during use, and when you aren’t using it, you can easily take it apart and pack it away. Breaking down into three distinct parts makes the Errl cannon portable and a great on-the-go dabbing option. You can also choose between a curved or bent mouthpiece or titanium and quartz nails. If you miss the temperature control that comes with using a banger, you can always buy the Errl cannon quartz banger as well as a straw. With the banger attachment, you can use it like you would any other rig, and it will be easier to control the temperature.

Nectar collectors are an easy, portable dabbing option. They are great for convenient, quick dabs at home or just as easily at a friend’s house. The nectar collector straw also heats up quicker than a banger or domeless nail saving you time and fuel, but temperature control can be a bit more difficult. If you don’t have one though, a nectar collector makes a great addition to any vaporizing collection and makes for a convenient piece to travel with.

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/how-glass-cleaners-work2018-11-07T00:20:00-05:002018-11-21T10:16:04-05:00HOW GLASS CLEANERS WORKN BEver wonder what makes these glass cleaners different from just cleaning with alcohol and salt? Honestly, until looking into it, I used to think cleaning solutions were mostly scams when you could do it for much cheaper, but there are definite benefits using some specially designed cleaners. In this article, we will break down what is happening when you clean with just alcohol and salt and then discuss how cleaning products differ from this.

Alcohol and salt

Cleaning using alcohol is taking advantage of basic solvent chemistry. Molecules can be polar or non-polar depending on their chemical structure, and each dissolve in like solvents. Like dissolves like. The resin building up in your pipe is mostly non-polar, and water is polar. This is why the resin does not dissolve much in the water. Alcohol, however, is non-polar, so the resin dissolves readily in alcohol. Using salt at the same time the salt serves as an abrasive to break up the chunks of resin stuck to your glass giving the alcohol more contact with the resin and making cleaning easier.

Solvents and surfactants

Most glass cleaning solutions use a proprietary blend of solvents and surfactants, and some include a bubbling or foaming activity to provide agitation and help with the cleaning process. Solvents work as described above and come in a variety of strengths, but some solvents, including rubbing alcohol, can be toxic. So, it is important to follow the directions for your cleaner and rinse thoroughly when necessary. There are some solvents which are not toxic such as d-Limonene, a terpene. When this is the primary solvent, you probably don’t have to be so worried about thoroughly rinsing, but there may still be other harmful additives. Always be sure to follow the instructions for the cleaner you are using.

Surfactants are also commonly seen additives to glass cleaners. Surfactants are molecules that help to emulsify and dissolve the resin better by promoting more interaction between the solvent and the resin. This helps to remove fine films and residue leaving the piece shining like the day you got it. Since companies use a propriety blend, they generally offer little information on their special blend. This makes it difficult to tell how effective they will be from the label. For this reason, I would recommend looking up reviews and videos or trying several before selecting a go-to glass cleaner.

Cannaclean

TAG offers CannaClean because it offers a safe, effective means of getting your piece sparkling clean. CannaClean contains no fragrances or dyes which can hang around in your pipe long after you’ve cleaned it. CannaClean is nonflammable, compared to cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and salt this can be significantly safer. CannaClean doesn’t use any overly powerful solvents that can hang around in your glass and that can be harmful to you as a user and the environment in production and disposal. Instead, CannaClean uses renewable and sustainable resources in their products. At CannaClean, they are committed to their transparency and currently working to update their website with information on their ingredients and why they are a safer, more renewable option to isopropyl alcohol and salt or other glass cleaning products.

If you’re a dabber, you may have noticed that when you put a carb cap on your dab you get a thicker hit, but have you ever asked yourself why? In this article, we will discuss exactly what it is a carb cap does and how this leads to a better dab.

Conduction vs. Convection

When you first put your concentrate on a hot surface it is primarily being heated through conduction, the passing of heat through direct surface contact. This is analogous to cooking on a hot pan. Once you carb cap your dab, the concentrate is simultaneously heated through its contact with the hot surface and from convection, or fluid heating. Putting the cap on creates a sealed environment where the air inside is heated as well. As you pull, the trapped in, heated air then circulates and vaporizes your concentrate. This helps achieve more even vaporization since heat is not only coming from surface contact, but from the air as well. Without a cap, the hot air easily rises out of the banger and into the surrounding air and a large amount of cool air is pulled in, so the temperature of the air in the banger is significantly lower. In my opinion, a carb cap is necessary to any good dab, but, if you’re low temp dabbing, this is an absolute must. Not only will it limit pooling of leftover unvaporized concentrate, but it will produce a milkier hit, concentrating the vapor, and producing better flavor.

Effect on air flow

As you pull through your rig, the surrounding, cool air enters your banger mixing with the heated air. You don’t want to completely seal in your dab, because not only will you not be able to pull the vapor through to inhale it, but the air will be so still that convection is limited and little to no vapor will be produced. However, without a carb cap on a banger, more cool air can enter, and hot air is not retained within the environment as heat rises. So, there will not be any convection, as depicted in the diagram of a banger shown. If you’ve used a nail and dome before, a carb cap is really the same concept as a dome. A dome also creates a somewhat sealed environment where the air is heated, and convection can do its work. Typically, though, a dome features a much larger hole than most carb caps seen today. This may be one of the reasons we are beginning to see domed nails phase out.

It is important to consider the size of the air inlet on the cap to balance the drag it adds while still retaining heat to facilitate convection. A carb cap will restrict the air flow through your rig, but it also prevents vapor loss and produces a more concentrated, evenly vaporized hit. In a carb capped banger, the air movement inside your banger causes more interaction between the hot air and the concentrate, further increasing vaporization. Although, some carb caps will restrict airflow more than others which can limit the effects of convection due to decreased air movement. This depends entirely upon the amount of air flow possible while the carb cap is on. Most come with at least a small hole or slit as a fresh air inlet, and the size of this inlet determines the amount of air flow possible.

However, the air inlet can be large enough that you decrease convection through allowing more heat to escape and more cool air to enter lowering the temperature of the air which is heating your concentrate through convection. So, you must balance air flow and keeping a relatively sealed environment. To some extent, this is personal preference. However, as the larger the air inlet, the less sealed the environment is and the less your concentrate will be heated through convection. So, you won’t vaporize your concentrate as evenly. It’s likely that increased vapor density among other factors contributed to this switch from domed nails to bangers and carb caps.

Some carb caps even add extra utility beyond the benefits discussed above. Some can serve as your dab tool. While others, such as the TAG- Banger Bent Stem Carb Cap and other options, that direct air flow can be used to push the concentrate to hot parts of the nail further helping to optimally vaporize your concentrate. So, if you don’t have one already, a carb cap will dramatically improve your dabbing experience through more even vaporization and helping you get the most out of your dabs.

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/water-pipe-dab-rig-horror-movie2018-10-10T10:48:00-04:002018-10-10T10:48:13-04:00What Water Pipe Or Dab Rig You Should Buy Based On Your Favorite Horror MovieA B
Get ready for Halloween with your water pipe monster match! See if your favorite horror movie is on our list and check out the water pipe or dab rig that's a perfect fit for the film.

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The temperature's dropping, the leaves are changing and ghoulish inflatables are popping up in the neighbor's yard. It's Halloween season, which means it's time to gather 'round the water pipe and pop in a horror movie for a spooky smoking session. Get fully immersed in the Halloween spirit with a water pipe that perfectly matches your favorite scary movie.

A Beaker Base For "Young Frankenstein"

Most of the action that happens in "Young Frankenstein" occurs in Dr. Frankenstein's lab. There, he's surrounded by all sorts of lightning-powered electrical coils and, of course, beakers of strange fluid. Get your own beaker base water pipe bubbling as you sit down for a hilarious take on a classic story.

A UFO Dab Rig For "Alien"

Smoke your favorite oils or concentrates to prepare yourself for the infamous gut-buster scene in "Alien." This "UFO" faberge egg dab rig comes in a variety of colors and has compact chambers to give you flavorful hits while looking awesome. It's even female, just like the Xenomorph!

A Showerhead Water Pipe For "Psycho"

We all know the famous shower scene from "Psycho," the grandfather of psychological thrillers. Get into the scene with an interior showerhead beaker — it's sure to give you optimum percolation for smooth hits all the way to the big twist!

A Straight Tube Water Pipe For "Cabin In The Woods"

A more recent horror film, "Cabin In The Woods" has become a cult classic and a favorite movie for many to pop in on a dark and stormy night. One of the film's protagonists is an avid smoker and uses a collapsible coffee mug as a sort of straight tube water pipe — which is why a straight tube pipe from TAG is the perfect fit!

A Sextuple Recycler For "Rocky Horror Picture Show"

You need a truly wacky rig to match the antics of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show." This recycler dab rig puts on a show as water bubbles in its multiple pipes and chambers every time you take a hit. It'll have the whole party doing the Time Warp before you can say Rocky!

Find Your Monster Match At Thick Ass Glass

You can find your perfect water pipe or dab rig for every time of year at Thick Ass Glass. Shop our full collection of pipes, rigs and accessories to create your ultimate smoking setup.

There seems to be a constantly growing number of options to dab with today. While this variety means you’re more likely to find exactly what you want, it can also be overwhelming. Here, we will breakdown the differences in the quartz dabbing options we carry and help you to find the right option for you.

Many modifications have been made to the traditional banger since it has grown in popularity, but it can be hard to tell which of these will actually make a difference in performance. TAG offers a variety of quartz banger options to fulfill everyone’s needs and ensures that these are all “high air flow”. What does high air flow mean though? The air flow of a typical banger is largely determined by the inner diameter of the tube connecting the bucket to your piece. This is really what makes a difference in determining the drag of the piece. A single pinch point is enough to add resistance to any piece. It is common to see bangers where the bend restricts the inner diameter significantly compared to the inner diameter of the tube itself. In these cases, the air flow is greatly restricted. Due to this, TAG focuses on keeping the inner diameter as open as possible ensuring “high air flow” products.

Domeless nail

This is a simplification to the dome and nail system which dominated dabbing only a few years ago. The benefits of domeless nails are their ease of use and that they tend to stay relatively cheap. The domeless nails we offer will heat up quickly, but they will not hold their heat as long as some of our other options. So, they also won’t support as large of dabs as some other options we will discuss. However, if what you’re looking for is something cheap, quick, and easy to use, then a domeless nail may be right for you!

TAG High air flow Banger

TAG offers several varieties of quartz bangers featuring bucket diameters from 16 – 30 mm. This allows you to select the diameter that works best for you. If you like to take larger slabs, then you will probably want a larger bucket diameter. This will increase the surface area contact with your concentrate allowing quicker, more even vaporization. On the other hand, if you prefer taking smaller dabs, larger inner diameter will just take longer to heat up. So, a smaller bucket diameter may be better suited for you. Most of these options also specify the inner diameter of the bent tube from 2 – 4 mm. As mentioned above, this is a good way to determine the airflow. The larger the inner diameter, the more airflow. So, if you are focused on having the least drag possible, you might want to stick to options with a larger inner diameter.

Banger can

TAG quartz banger cans feature a flat top and a deeper dish than other banger options. Flat or slanted top is largely a matter of preference or the carb cap you have around. Although, the deeper dish allows for larger dabs and can prevent unvaporized concentrate from bubbling up into the tube where it can make its way into your rig. This may not be such a big deal if you have a reclaim catcher, but it does take away from the dab at hand.

Conical pyramid

The TAG conical pyramid quartz banger features a 16mm bucket with an extra thick conical quartz bottom. The bottom of the bucket is still flat like a traditional banger. However, the conical shape of the thick quartz on the bottom holds onto the heat for longer, especially in the center of the bucket. This increased heat retention allows for bigger dabs, or, if you’re a low temp dabber, it holds at a temperature for longer. So, this banger can increase the time you have to hit that sweet spot and therefore allows you to savor more flavor from your dabs.

Trough

A quartz trough is essentially a banger with a rotated bucket. This allows for more contact with the concentrate and helps keep it at the bottom due to the rounded edges. If you have a small rig, you can tilt your rig to direct any unvaporized concentrate to the hotter areas of the trough and get the most out of your product. Troughs don’t tend to be suited to large dabs, however, if you prefer small to medium dabs and use a small rig, this might be right for you!

Dab pump

The Dab Pump system is unique set up for dabbing. It is essentially a nectar collector attached to your favorite water pipe. To use this system, you just heat up the tip of the quartz straw connected to the tube and vaporize your concentrate by touching it to the hot quartz while you inhale. It also features a dish which you can place your concentrate in for ease of use and accessibility. This system heats up quickly allowing for quick, easy dabs with a more stable device than a handheld nectar collector.

When picking out a new water pipe, a key consideration is how much diffusion, or filtration, you want in contrast to how much resistance, or drag, you can accept. Generally, the better filtered of a hit you are receiving, the more drag there will be. However, resistance can be generated in many ways which do not increase diffusion, so that is not to say more resistance means there is more diffusion. This can be especially important if you have any health problems that can add to the difficulty of dealing with the resistance. In this article, we’ll talk about important considerations when picking out a new water pipe.

What is diffusion?

Diffusion occurs as the smoke goes through the water, and the water filters out some of the tars and larger particles. The more contact between the smoke and water, the more the smoke will be filtered. Therefore, optimal diffusion is achieved by an even distribution of small bubbles. This will produce the most surface area for the smoke to interact with. Cooling the smoke with water also relies upon the amount of contact between the smoke and water, so in a two-fold benefit, this will simultaneously cool the smoke better.

What causes drag?

Any time you add an extra layer of water filtration you are going to be adding some amount of drag to the piece. However, this adds much less resistance than some other common causes that can be avoided in manufacturing.

One factor contributing to resistance is the diameter of the tubes the air travels through, and not just the width of the tubes but the width of any connections. The smaller the diameter, the less air that can be pulled through at once. This will create a feeling of drag, so any pinch point can drastically increase the drag. This is something to look for in any corners or curves in a piece to ensure that the diameter isn’t drastically decreased. This is why most TAG pieces bend into the percolator or have an elbow protruding rather just than a sharp 90° corner which can cut down the inner diameter.

Some poorly designed percolators can also create unnecessary drag. If, for instance, the holes the smoke travels through are too small. This can cause more resistance without increasing the filtration. Conversely, if the holes are too large or uneven, it is likely not all the holes will be used in filtering the smoke. This can feel like there is less drag, especially after you pull out the bowl because there will be less resistance and all holes are likely to fire then. However, it will dramatically decrease the amount of filtration since the smoke itself will have less contact with the water.

Each time you add an extra layer of percolation this increases the drag to an extent since there is more resistance in water than air (think of moving in a pool). Although, some types of percolators do add more drag than others even when properly manufactured and designed. This tends to occur in percolators with many small holes which produce many small bubbles. In some cases, there can be so many bubbles that they can also add to the resistance. This tends to be seen in percolators such as fritted and netted discs, which consequently produce some of the best filtered hits. It should be noted though that most of the resistance still comes from the area the smoke has to travel through at any given point, and because the holes are larger in a netted disc the air flow will be less restricted in comparison to fritted discs.

Picking your piece

While some percolators do generate more drag than others, there is much that can be done to reduce drag and achieve optimal diffusion. First, pay attention to the characteristics of percolators discussed above. Are the holes evenly distributed? Are the holes large enough or are there enough small holes to not restrict the airflow? Think of the total area the smoke has to travel through at the percolator. Are they so large that not all the holes actually filter the smoke? It is easiest to answer by watching a video if it is available, but you can also refer to the images of the piece. TAG pays special attention to these details to engineer water pipes that achieve optimal diffusion with minimal drag.

When asking yourself if you should add an extra ash catcher or choosing between a netted disc or showerhead percolator, it really depends what is most important to you: the smoothest hit possible or the least resistance. Both have their advantages and should be considered to optimize your experience, but the weight placed on each is up to you. So, try out a variety of options and see what you prefer. There’s nothing wrong with having a few around to suit your mood on any given day!

Photo Credit: www.nuclear-power.net

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/dab-rig-for-you2018-10-01T00:00:00-04:002018-10-10T10:44:29-04:00Choosing The Perfect Dab RigA BChoosing a dab rig can be pretty challenging, especially if you're new to the world of smoking concentrates. Use these simple suggestions to choose the perfect rig!

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If you're new to the world of smoking oils and concentrates, you might be a bit confused about what a dab rig (also known as an oil rig) is and how to find the right one for you. Just like with water pipes, there are several different factors to consider before you make your choice. Let's break down a few popular styles and their benefits.

Standard Dab Rigs

A standard dab rig usually has either a straight tube or a beaker base, similar to water pipes. However, a dab rig will generally have fewer chambers and percolators than a water pipe to help preserve the full flavors and effects of your concentrates. Dabbing is usually done at lower temperatures than smoking with a water pipe, which involves combustion, so the vapor doesn't need as much help cooling down before you inhale it. Be sure to look at the kind of percolator (either as a separate piece or a downstem) that a dab rig can take, and choose your rig based on your preferred level of filtration.

As for sizes, most dab rig users prefer rigs in the 5 - 8 inch range. Dab rigs are almost always smaller than water pipes — the largest size you will typically find is around 10 inches. For just starting out, and to ensure that you receive the fullest experience, choose a rig in the 5 - 8 inch range we mentioned. If you know would prefer a larger piece, however, you can aim for 6 - 10 inches. Either way, these sizes are comfortable for holding while smoking or for setting on a table, which is great for those still deciding which method feels best.

Faberge Egg Dab Rigs

If you're looking for a dab rig that has as much style as it has function, you should try out a faberge egg rig. This type of dab rig is an incycler, so it recycles water through an internal drain funnel rather than an external one. The recycling process, whether internal or external, helps preserve the flavor of oils and concentrates and cool the vapor, making recycler rigs perfect for dab-style smoking. Faberge egg rigs also come in a variety of awesome, swirling colors, so they're definitely pieces you'll be eager to show off.

Cheap Dab Rigs

Not sure if smoking with a dab rig is something you're ready to invest a lot of money in? No problem! There are plenty of inexpensive, high-quality options for you to choose from. For example, you could try the 10" Bellow Base Beakerdab rig — it has a simple design, a showerhead downstem for great percolation and a reasonable price tag in the $60 - $85 range.

Portable Dab Rigs

Taking the show on the road doesn't have to be a struggle thanks to micro and mini dab rigs! These dab rigs are typically 3 - 6 inches, designed to fit in the palm of your hand while still delivering the flavorful, concentrated smoking experience you're after. For these reasons, mini rigs are the prefered smoking method for many users.

It's important to use caution when using a mini rig, though. Since they are so small and handheld, it can be easy to accidentally burn yourself. Same goes for any dab rig or water pipe, so smoke responsibly!

Find The Perfect Dab Rig At Thick Ass Glass

We've only covered a few of the amazing oil rig styles available in our collection. Whether you're searching for something simple or ornate, small or large, you're sure to find a high-quality dab rig that suits your needs at Thick Ass Glass.

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/butane-or-wick-what-does-science-say2018-09-07T17:28:00-04:002018-10-03T12:56:23-04:00Butane or Wick - What does science say?N BAs long as I have been a part of this community smokers have been arguing about the health risks associated with what you use to light up. There are two main camps in this debate, those concerned with the health risks of consuming butane and those who enjoy the simplicity of your average lighter. In this article, we will dive deeper into this debate, pulling from what science there is on the topic to arrive at the most informed conclusion possible.

I, and perhaps many of you, have known many highly intelligent people who genuinely believe they breathe easier and feel better when they separate themselves from using butane lighters to spark up, but does this necessarily mean there is a real effect? The answer unfortunately is no, largely due to the placebo effect (1). Without legitimate studies on the subject, we can’t rule this out.

So, what do we know then?

Butane

People are concerned about the health effects of butane itself, which is certainly toxic (2). However, butane combusts into carbon dioxide and water (3), neither of which are toxic to us. The fact of the matter is that the studies done on the health effects of butane have observed the consequences of ingesting large quantities of butane, mostly in people who use it directly as an inhalant (2). Despite this discrepancy, it is common in this argument to use the information from these studies as evidence of the dangers of butane lighters. This, however, is a false equivalence.

The health effects of exposure to large quantities of a substance are commonly different than the effects of exposure to smaller amounts over a longer period. One example that many of you may recognize is the case of carbon monoxide. Exposure to large amounts of carbon monoxide can be lethal, while the effects of exposure to smaller amounts over time may cause neurological damage and exacerbate heart disease (4).

The important questions for us then are, how much, if any, of the butane survives past the flame of a lighter, and how much butane are we ingesting when the flame goes out on a lighter while we are still inhaling? I haven’t been able to find a scientific study that can answer either of these questions. However, butane has been studied extensively and is a highly combustible. In an oxygen rich environment, butane is said to undergo “complete combustion” (5). As far as I can tell, this does not necessarily mean that every molecule of butane being released is combusting, but is contrasted with incomplete combustion. Incomplete combustion occurs in oxygen poor environments and produces carbon monoxide rather than carbon dioxide. The important fact to take from this, is that you should be smoking in well ventilated areas to prevent incomplete combustion. Aside from this though, we do not know if any butane survives past the flame. Further, if any does, it is in a much smaller concentration than any studies we have on butane’s health effects to date.

Wick

When asking people why they prefer wick over a lighter, a common response is, “Its natural!” Whether or not something is natural does not determine if it is healthy for you or not. Many poisonous compounds are perfectly natural. So, where does this put the use of wick then?

Unlike butane, which is a single chemical and burns into carbon dioxide and water, wick is composed of many different compounds and does not combust so simply. We do not have direct evidence of the health effects of using wick, but there have been studies of the health effects of candles, which are highly similar. Combusting wick produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, and other large particulates (6, 9). These larger particles will be inhaled and can irritate your lungs. As mentioned above, small, infrequent carbon monoxide exposure is also linked to health issues (4,7). In addition to this, there are many other byproducts produced from burning elements associated with life such nitrogen containing compounds which will also be in wick fumes (7, 8, 9). Some of these risks may be limited by using bees wax coated wick (8), but the effects of smoking this has not been explored. While we don’t currently know the health effects of using wick to light up, it is important to note that the absence of evidence is not evidence of the absence of harm. This merely means that these issues need to be explored further in a research setting to glean a definitive answer.

One significant difference we are currently aware of is the temperature at which each burn. While a wick generally burns somewhere between 1500-1800°F (10), a butane lighter burns nearly twice as hot at around 3500°F (11). This may contribute to the byproducts of combusting your smokable, since at higher temperatures there is more energy to make and break bonds in combustion. This could change the composition of the smoke produced but, again, this is not something we currently know. More research is necessary on this subject.

Can we really make an informed decision today?

Probably not…at least not confidently so. We simply lack the studies necessary to justify either of these beliefs. This leaves us in a position many of us may not like to find ourselves in, living in an age with more access to information than any previously. We simply must be mindful of the potential negatives of each.

So, what should you do?

Do whichever you prefer! If you think one makes you feel better, then use that. Just realize that we do not have a confident answer as to which is healthier yet. For this reason, it is always the best practice to minimize inhaling either wick or butane fumes whenever possible. When using a lighter, be sure to minimize releasing butane without a flame to limit your exposure. On the other hand, limiting inhaling wick fumes is also recommended for the reasons stated above. Yes, that means roasting the bowl for those last few hits probably isn’t healthy with either. In other words, don’t roast the bowl! Whatever it is you chose to spark up with do what makes you happy and enjoy!

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/angle-adapters2018-08-27T08:14:00-04:002018-08-27T08:14:49-04:00Get The Perfect Angle On Your Water Pipe With Angle AdaptersA B
If you're new to the world of smoking, you need an accessory to make your first few sessions as easy as possible. Angle adapters can help protect your pipe as you learn the ropes.

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Water pipes and dab rigs come with all sorts of accessories that can majorly enhance the smoking experience. It can be hard to tell which parts are necessary and which are used based on preference. But angle adapters are definitely a necessity, both for comfort while smoking and the health of your water pipe.

What Are Angle Adapters?

Angle adapters are a joint attachment that can be added to water pipes and dab rigs. They come in a variety of angles, but 30, 45, and 90 degrees are the most common.

The goal of an angle adapter is to hold your bowl up at a 90-degree angle (in relation to the surface it's sitting on). As such, it's important to know the angle measurement of your water pipe's joint before buying an adapter — when you add together the joint angle and the angle of the adapter, the sum should come out to 90 degrees. So, for example, if your joint is 30 degrees, you will need a 60-degree angle on your adapter.

Angle adapters can be male or female, so be sure to buy one of the opposite gender from your water pipe or dab rig.And remember to get the correct joint measurements as well! You don't want to wind up with a new piece that doesn't fit either because it's the wrong gender or size.

Why Are Angle Adapters Important?

The biggest benefit of an angle adapter is that it protects the bowl or nail and joint of your water pipe or dab rig from torch damage. This is especially important for beginners who are still learning the proper position to hold their torch while lighting their concentrates. If you hold a torch in the wrong place for too long, you can do permanent damage to your pipe, like discoloration at the joint base or a busted nail.

Another benefit is that the 90-degree angle makes it easy to light your herbs or concentrates. Angle adapters hold your product level and at a comfortable distance from your water pipe or dab rig's body. Using one of these simple accessories can help give you a nice, easy smoking experience and keep your pipe in great shape.

Find All The Accessories You Need From Thick Ass Glass

Whether you're looking for water pipes, dab rigs or the accessories that amplify their awesomeness, Thick Ass Glass has you covered. Shop angle adapters and the rest of our collections today.

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/how-important-is-a-reclaim-catcher-for-your-oil-rig2018-08-24T14:31:00-04:002018-08-24T14:35:31-04:00How Important is a Reclaim Catcher for your Oil Rig?N BWith the constantly growing number of accessories for our hobby, it can become hard to tell which are really going to make a difference and which we may quickly put down and forget about. I’m here to tell you how a reclaim catcher can make a valuable addition to your dab station, and you won’t want to go back to life without it! A reclaim catcher may just seem like some extra glass tubing you put on your rig to look fancier, but in reality it can make a great, functional addition to any dab set up especially for you flavor seekers out there!

What does it do?

A reclaim catcher works similarly to an ash catcher in that it will help keep your rig looking clean and beautiful. However, it does not add extra percolation like a traditional ash catcher. This may seem like a missed opportunity, but the goal of this piece is actually to keep the reclaim dry so it can be used later and to prevent it from ever reaching your rig! Notice the easily removed glass dish, held on by a keck clip, is positioned right under your banger or nail to catch any stray drops. This will save you from the dread of watching a steady stream of reclaim flow until it inevitably clogs your rig. Personally, I have spent far too much time digging in my pieces with a dental tool trying to save what small amount of reclaim I could while mostly just spreading it around and making it look worse if anything. With a TAG dropdown reclaim catcher, the glass dish can be easily removed to access and use your reclaim as you please thereby saving money in the long run!

Safety First

Perhaps most importantly, a TAG drop down reclaim catcher can actually help make your dab station safer by moving the hot nail further away from your face. Many of us have small rigs to keep our vapor concentrated which allows less area that vapor can condense on the inside, but a consequence of this can be that the nail you are heating up with a blow torch is right next to your face! Being this close has a greater potential to burn yourself or your hair if you make a simple mistake. Another added benefit of moving your nail down and out is that you will likely have a better view of your concentrate bubbling, which I always feel is a beautiful sight! Additionally though, having this system to save your reclaim will also eliminate the want to pick up your hot nail to save that drip that’s falling right after your dab.

Keep cleaner for longer

Whether you’re someone who maintains meticulously clean pieces or even if you only clean your rig when you can’t draw through it anymore, a reclaim catcher will help keep your pieces clean and functional for longer between cleaning sessions! By catching any reclaim that drops out of your banger, it prevents these sticky globs from making their way into your rig where they can be unsightly, hard to clean, and can even cause clogs! So, not only will this accessory have you cleaning less often, but it will be easier to clean when you do by preventing those large globs from getting there in the first place! This also means that those big globs can’t clog up your percolator! This is the difference that really struck me after making this addition to my dab station. I no longer have to watch idly as reclaim piles up until it inevitably clogs the whole piece!

An essential accessory for a low temp dabber

Have you been trying to master the art of consistent, flavorful dabs? Then having a reclaim catcher is essential for you! If you’re a low temp dabber, a reclaim catcher is going to really improve your set up. While low temp dabbing achieves the best flavor and hurts your lungs and throat less, it also tends to produce more reclaim. This is because reclaim is simply what condenses from the vapor of your concentrate the same way water in the air condenses on the outside of a cold glass on a humid day. Since the glass of your piece is cooler than the vapor, the vapor will begin to condense, and because the vapor produced from low temperatures is cooler, it is more likely to condense into reclaim than higher temperature dabs. While more of the vapor you want condensing may not seem ideal, when you’re low temp dabbing your reclaim is also of a higher quality giving all the more reason to protect and save it!

So, adding TAG dropdown reclaim catcher to your dab station can allow you to get more bang for your buck, make your rig safer, and keep your piece looking beautiful for longer! This is an accessory that is definitely worth it, and will pay for itself in the long run!

Checkout the TAG Drop Down Reclaim Catcher hereOther options can be found here

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/quartz-dab-nails2018-08-08T10:44:00-04:002018-08-08T10:45:15-04:00How To Season Quartz Nails For The Perfect Low-Temperature Dabbing ExperienceA B
Looking for the perfect dab nail for low-temperature dabbing? Quartz nails are the answer! Learn how to season them for great taste right out of the gate.

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There are a lot of options to choose from in the dab nail universe. Some are great for certain temperatures while others have more impressive lifespans. And then there's the quartz dab nail, which is the best of both worlds. Let's learn what makes this particular dab nail so great and how to properly season it for your first smoking session.

The Perfect Dab Nail For Low-Temp Dabbing

Quartz nails are actually perfect for high-temperature dabbing as well — like we said, they're the best of both worlds. They heat up faster than ceramic or titanium nails, meaning you can hit your ideal dabbing temperature in less time. Quartz nails also last longer than glass because they can absorb heat better. In general, they're also sturdier than glass dab nails, making them less prone to fractures.

Convinced that the quartz nail is a real gem? Once you learn how easy they are to season, you will be.

Seasoning Quartz Dab Nails

Seasoning a dab nail is similar to seasoning a new cast-iron skillet: the porous surface absorbs all those delicious oils so that every new dish tastes better than the last. But more importantly than taste, seasoning your dab nail eliminates any dirt or residue from the manufacturing process. Seasoning is basically sanitizing your nail so that it's completely safe for use.

The seasoning process is fairly simple for quartz nails. Let’s break it down:

Heat the nail until it starts to glow red — it won't be super vibrant, as the brightness comes from oxidized oils burning off from previous uses.

Once the top of the nail is thoroughly heated, take the torch away and let it cool. Don't heat the entire length of the nail or you'll risk damaging the joint.

Adding a concentrate or oil is only necessary for titanium nails, but feel free to use them with quartz nails as well.

Allow the concentrate or oil to burn away. Don't smoke it, since it could have nasty chemicals in it.

Once the seasoning process is finished, you can practice cleaning your quartz dab nail. Just use a cotton swab to wipe away any excess oils or concentrates while the nail is still warm. Quartz is porous, so your oils can seep into it, harden and oxidize once the nail cools. Doing this after each dabbing session — or even after each hit — will help extend your quartz nail's lifespan.

Find The Perfect Dab Nail For Your Rig

Thick Ass Glass has plenty of quartz nails and more in our full catalog of water pipe and dab rig accessories. You can also find titanium nails or, for torchless heating, you could try a dab enail. Dive in and find just what you need for another great smoking session.]]>
https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/honey-bucket-nail2018-08-03T00:00:00-04:002018-08-08T10:49:37-04:00For The Sweetest Dab Experience, You Need The Honey Bucket NailA B
Sometimes, no matter how awesome your oils or concentrates are, the flavor lacks the punch you want out of it. That's where our friend the honey bucket nail comes in.

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The honey bucket nail is one of the most unique dab rig accessories out there. It's not quite a nail, but not quite a banger, either. The honey bucket is in a class of its own, which means it offers a dabbing experience you won't find anywhere else. Let's explore more of this accessory's special features.

How Does A Honey Bucket Work?

A honey bucket nail has a unique swinging arm that can be moved in and out of the "bucket," which is the accessory's main chamber. When the arm is outside of the bucket, it functions similarly to a sidearm nail: you heat the end of the domed attachment, keeping the torch safely away from your dab rig's joint.

Once you've heated the swinging attachment to your preferred temperature, bring the arm back inside the main chamber. Use a dabber to press your oils or concentrates onto the heated swing attachment. The smoke or vapor that gathers in the main chamber will then be channeled into the body of your rig. Dab away!

Hitting The Optimal Flavor Zone

The optimal flavor zone, or OFZ, is just what it sounds like: the best possible flavor you can get out of a dab rig. The OFZ can be reached by combining a honey bucket with an OFZ-style carb cap. At Thick Ass Glass, our honey bucket nails come with the OFZ carb cap, because to give you the bucket without the cap would be like giving you macaroni without cheese.

So how do these pieces get you to the sought-after OFZ? It's all about airflow. When the OFZ-style carb cap is placed on top of the bucket's main chamber, it essentially creates a convection oven. The circulating hot air within the bucket's body lets the nail momentarily reheat itself, giving you all the flavor you want out of your oils and concentrates. You'll get extra-tasty dabs for the sweetest smoking experience possible.

Find Honey Buckets And More From Thick Ass Glass

Whether you're in need of a honey bucket nail or another form of quartz banger, we've got just the accessory for you. Browse our full selection of water pipes, dab rigs, and accessories to create your optimal smoking experience. ]]>
https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/homemade-dab-rig2018-07-24T08:07:00-04:002018-07-24T08:07:16-04:00Homemade Dab Rig: Don't Try ItA B
There are plenty of crazy ways to smoke without using proper water pipes or dab rigs. But using a homemade dab rig is just asking for trouble. Learn why and stay safe.

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There are a lot of home essentials out there that can be fun to make for yourself. A homemade dab rig is not one of them. Even though there are plenty of articles out there explaining how you can get around using dab rigs, you shouldn't attempt most of the methods listed. Here are just a few of the biggest dangers.

You Could Burn Yourself

This is probably the biggest concern when using methods other than a proper water pipe or dab rig to smoke. Many people online suggest using hot butter knives or even electric car lighters to vaporize your chosen substance. Both of these methods are just asking to receive second-degree burns, turning what could have been a fun smoking session into an emergency.

You Could Inhale Dangerous Fumes

If you or someone else goes all out to create a glass homemade dab rig, chances are there will be unpleasant, residual chemicals leftover from production. Some smokers find it bad enough to inhale fumes from butane torches — imagine not having a clue about what you're breathing into your body.

The Rig Could Fracture

Another risk of using a homemade dab rig is that the glass will probably be thin or otherwise low-quality. If it's not the right thickness, there's a good chance it will fracture or splinter apart in your hands, unable to take the heat. This could leave you with all sorts of cuts and a huge mess to clean up.

Can You Smoke Without Dab Rigs?

If you don't think you can afford a dab rig right now, or if you accidentally broke yours and need an affordable replacement, try out a nectar collector. On top of having a name with a really nice ring to it, nectar collectors are in a class all their own. They work great for vaporizing and can also use water, like a water pipe. Plus, being a bit smaller than a dab rig, they're much easier to pass around with friends or take on trips. Most importantly, they're made by professionals, free of residual chemicals, and made with high-quality glass.

Check Out Our Dab Rigs

If you're looking for sturdy dab rigs that are built to last, you've come to the right place. No matter the design or function you're looking for, we've got the rig for you. For safe smoking and a beautiful addition to your collection, check out our full selection today.]]>
https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/fab-egg-rig2018-07-17T08:22:00-04:002018-07-24T08:22:46-04:00The Fabulous Fab Egg RigA B
The faberge egg rig is a truly unique member of the dab rig family. But what exactly makes it so cool? Let's explore some of the fab egg rig's finest features.

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What the heck is a faberge egg? Some of you history buffs might know that the real faberge eggs were jewel-encrusted art pieces created by House of Faberge, a Russian jeweler. You've probably also guessed that those million-dollar artifacts are NOT what we're selling at Thick Ass Glass. Let's explore the awesomeness of the faberge egg rig instead.

What Is A Fab Egg Rig?

While they started out exclusively as dab rigs, today's faberge egg rigs can be used as water pipes for dry herbs as well. Their unique design sets them apart from more traditional water pipes and dab rigs. Sometimes fab egg rigs will have chambers within chambers. Regardless of the configuration, though, they are composed of two chambers: one for percolation and one for recycling. Recyclers help keep the water and vapor moving through the pipe in a circle, which means an exceptional degree of filtration. That's one of the biggest benefits of the fab egg rig — the recycler is built right in!

Another special feature of the faberge egg rig is that the percolation chamber is a Swiss perc. Swiss-style percs are some of the best for diffusion because of their large holes, and, just like the recycling chamber, it's incorporated directly into the rig's design. The combination of the recycling chamber and high-level diffusion creates a drag-free smoke that is characteristic of the fab egg rig. You'd be hard-pressed to find another type of pipe that produces such satisfying hits!

Need A Fab Egg Rig For Your Collection?

Thick Ass Glass has your back! While some faberge egg rigs have been known to sell for up to six-figures (YIKES), we have rigs that work just as beautifully for a fraction of the price. They're perfect for collectors who want a unique new piece or for people just looking for a smooth smoking experience. Check out all our styles today!

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/joint-sizes2018-07-10T08:20:00-04:002018-07-24T08:22:21-04:00Sometimes Size Really Does Matter: Find The Right Measurements For Your Water Pipe AccessoriesA BFirst you learn your water pipe has a gender, and now there are sizes involved? This all might seem complicated at first, but once we break down the different sizes and how to tell which one you need, you'll see that it's a breeze!

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Aside from their gender, the most crucial consideration when buying water pipe accessories is their size. This is also another area where new smokers tend to get tripped up. Let's go over some of the most common joint sizes and what they mean for your water pipe and dab rig accessories.

Standard Joint Sizes

In case you're not sure what a joint is, it's the part of your water pipe or dab rig that you insert your downstem or other accessory into. These joints generally come in three sizes: 10 mm, 14.5 mm, and 18.8 mm. But 14.5 mm and 18.8 mm are considered the most common of the three sizes.

The 10 mm joint is also referred to as micro or nano. You'll find this size on smaller dab rigs and water pipes, as the name suggests.

A 14.5 mm joint can simply called 14 mm. The only difference between the two is that 14.5 is the technical term while 14 is just more convenient to say.

An 18.8 mm joint is also referred to as either 18 mm or 19 mm. It just depends on which way you prefer to round your numbers. Like the 14.5, 18.8 is shortened for convenience.

Buying Accessories

Once you figure out the size of your water pipe or dab rig's joint, you can buy your accessories of the same size. So, if your water pipe's joint is 14.5 mm, you'll want to buy a downstem or other accessory that's also 14.5 mm.

Remember, though, to also consider your joint's gender! Unlike joint sizes, your water pipe accessories have to be the opposite gender in order to fit properly. For example, if your joint is 18 mm and female (has a large opening that an accessory would be inserted into), you need to buy 18 mm male accessories that will insert into the joint. Vice versa if your joint is male — you would buy accessories that can be placed onto the joint.

This stuff is kind of complicated, right? It might seem that way at first, but once you know your water pipe or dab rig's measurements and gender, it's smooth sailing to an even smoother smoking session.

Check Out Water Pipes, Dab Rigs, And More

Thick Ass Glass is your go-to online shop for gorgeous water pipes and dab rigs that are built to last. Check out all of our water pipe accessories and dab rig accessories so you can create your perfect smoking experience!

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/bubblers2018-07-03T08:12:00-04:002018-07-24T08:23:05-04:00Why Bubblers Make The Perfect Travel CompanionA B
Don't put your hobbies on hold just because you're out of town! But don't sacrifice a quality smoking session, either. Find out why bubblers are the perfect solution.

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Taking a trip to someplace new is a great way to have fun and unwind, especially if you're with friends. But, you shouldn't have to put your hobbies on hold to do it. That's what bubblers are for.

What's A Bubbler?

This isn't some plastic wand for making soap bubbles. A bubbler pipe is essentially a miniaturized water pipe, making it perfect for travel. Not all models will fit in your pocket, but they can easily be stowed away in a backpack or suitcase with all your other travel items.

Is It Like A Hand Pipe?

No, not exactly. While a hand or spoon pipe is also portable, it doesn't offer any sort of filtration, which makes smoking less enjoyable for some people.

A bubbler pipe stands out because it has a diffuser built in, which helps cool down the smoke and make each hit smooth. Most bubblers use water to help with diffusion, but many, like our Single Rachet Bubbler, work as dry pipes as well. It should be noted, however, that using water will ensure the smoothest hit.

The Perfect Travel Companion

A bubbler pipe is perfect for travel because of its ability to create a high-quality smoke session in spite of its compact size. It can go anywhere you go! The only real drawback to bubblers is that, because of their small size, they can be tricky to clean. Also, as with any glass water pipes, glass bubblers should be treated with care.

Luckily, Thick Ass Glass lives up to its name in that regard — the glass used in our water pipes, dab rigs, and other accessories is super thick and built to last (and look epic in your collection). Check out our entire selection of bubblers and let the adventure begin!

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https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/water-pipe-genders2018-06-26T12:06:00-04:002018-07-24T08:24:54-04:00Congratulations! It's a Rig: Learning the Difference Between Male and FemaleA B
Don’t worry — this isn’t your average talk about the birds and the bees. Learn the difference between a male and female water pipe or dab rig.

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Have you ever bought an accessory for your water pipe or dab rig only to find it doesn’t fit your downstem? You’ve probably had more experienced smokers tell you it’s because your pipe or rig is “male” or “female.” Let’s dig into what exactly that distinction means.

Male Water Pipes And Dab Rigs

There’s one simple trick to telling if your pipe or rig is male. Ask yourself this question: do I put my bowl onto the joint or into the joint? If the answer is onto, you have a male rig!

Since your joint or downstem needs accessories to be placed on top of it, the accessories you buy must be female. All you have to do is buy the opposite “gender” accessory of your pipe or rig. Easy!

Another rule that generally proves true is that dab rigs or concentrate water pipes are male. Standard water pipes are usually female. If you’re not entirely sure, though, it’s best to just check your joint or downstem.

Female Water Pipes And Dab Rigs

Female pipes are the opposite of male pipes. Instead of placing your bowl or other accessory onto the joint or downstem, you would insert it into the joint or downstem.

If your water pipe is female, you need to buy male accessories that will insert into your joint or downstem. A good way to tell is if your water pipe has a wider opening that you can slide things into. It’s really that simple!

Different Parts, Equal Opportunities

Whether your water pipe is male or female, you’ve got options when it comes to accessories. There are plenty of other factors to consider when buying your smoking accessories, such as joint sizes, additional filters, and material, but those are topics for another article. Knowing the gender of your pipe is the starting point for all those other crazy decisions.

Ready to choose awater pipe? Or eager to find the right bowls or adapters now that your pipe’s gender is sorted out? Thick Ass Glass has you covered. ]]>